How to Maintain Your Windshield Wipers?

  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • PEAK
  • September 21, 2017

When it comes to car maintenance, it’s often the little details that matter most. Your windshield wipers are certainly among these little details. While they might not seem as essential as your transmission, these tools can save your life on the road. By keeping your wipers clean and in top condition, you will ensure your visibility while driving. So, how can you keep up with wiper maintenance? From basic cleaning to choosing replacement wiper blades, the following are some basic tips to help you keep your wipers working like new.

​​​​​​Keep your wipers clean

 

While you should remove large pieces of debris from your wipers on a regular basis, you should also perform more general cleaning. Every two or three months, wipe down your wipers with a damp cloth. Also, remove any residue that is stuck to the windshield.

 

 

Practice winter maintenance

 

If you live in a cold area, lift the wiper arms up every time you park. This way, they won’t stick to the windshield or get buried in sudden snows. If your blades do get stuck, just turn on your defroster, turn up your radio, and wait for the ice to melt. Avoid yanking the blades or hitting them against the windshield.

 

 

Apply a protective coating

 

About every six months, give your wipers a thorough cleaning and then apply a protective coating to the blades. This will help keep them safe from debris and damage throughout the year.

 

 

​​​​​​​Know when it’s time for replacements

 

Notice if your windshield wipers are causing streaks or making strange sounds. You should also look out for physical damage to the rubber and plastic on the blade. If you notice any of this, and especially if you notice poor performance, then take your car to a professional for replacement wiper blades as soon as possible.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Purchase the right blades

 

With that said, make sure you invest in high-quality blades. By selecting the right type, you can successfully keep water off your windshield and avoid future damage. Otherwise, you will spend more money on repairs and replacements in the future.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Remember your back windshield

 

Keep your back wiper clean to wick away any rain that falls. Especially if you don’t have a rear wiper, you may consider purchasing a wireless rearview camera. Every year, about 292 people are killed and 18,000 injured by drivers who back into them. A backup camera may prevent this.

 

 

By caring for your car’s windshield, you can ensure driver visibility and safety. If you lack the DIY auto knowledge, just be sure to hire a professional to install your replacement wiper blades and to give any advice for future maintenance. With the right knowledge and best care practices, you can keep your wipers working well for years to come.